***This post is the first of a 3 part #snackosphere blog challenge series for Kidspot Voices of 2014 and Healtheries.***

I was initially little dubious about going but calling up Perisher Ski Resort, they assured me that there was enough of the fluffy white stuff. So much so, the ski season had been extended to the 10th of October. So we scrapped in by two weeks.

We broke the road trip down to two parts: first night we stayed at my folks in Canberra.

Then, the next day was another three hours to Jindabyne.

Staying at the Adventist Alpine Village, our clean, comfortable and cosy chalet was surrounded by roaming kangaroos and spectacular views.

Alas, by this stage, the twinions were really hyped up about seeing snow – the Frozen soundtrack was on repeat (Oh, Princess Elsa, I wish we could let you go…) and we were really banking on nature not to let us down.

Luckily, by the time we got there the following day, there was plenty of the stuff for the boys to have them slipping, sliding and snowman building.

In replenishing their boundless energy, we took along some Healtheries Potato Stix. While the boys are usually apprehensive to try anything new, they happily munched on these during our snack breaks.

While we would all usually gobble down some potato chips to appease grumbling tummies, it was nice to know that Healtheries provide a healthier treat.

The Potato Stix in particular are:

Dairy Free

Preservative Free

Have no artificial flavours or colours

No added MSG.

With K-Bear still not completely out of the woods with his peanut allergy (he’s due for a tasting challenge before he starts big school), I’ve been excited by health food snacks before, only to be disappointed by the allergy warning fine print. “May contain traces of peanuts” – Fail!

Being the first thing I checked when I received my package from Healtheries it was a pleasantly surprise to discover that all the products they sent through are indeed nut free. Yay!

Looks like we’ve got some new goodies in our pantry. Tasty and healthy ones at that! Winning!

Have you been to the snow? What was your favourite part? Is the Frozen soundtrack still on repeat at yours?

After blitzing the Blackmore’s Bridge Run on Sunday (So, so, soooo happy with my time – 54 minutes, yo!), I did the usual post run routine search of the family.

After a couple of back and forths, trying to track them down whilst on the phone, then realizing that there was more than one Help Desk and they happened to be near the one I wasn’t at, finally I found them.

Beyond the medal bling and the personal best times, nothing beats a post run hug from your children.

The elation and excitement of them first spotting you is indescribably adorable. Even when the jelly legs are done and you couldn’t possibly take another step, the energy to run and scoop up the little rag rats is unequivocal.

Except this time.

Nunu happily greeted me, even agreed to take an obligatory selfie with me but K-Bear just scowled, giving me the cold shoulder.

“He’s not happy with you,” Mr Surfer explained.

Apparently, the boys had spotted me during the run. K-Bear was cheering, calling out to me on but I had my headphones on and couldn’t hear him.

Much to his dismay and frustration, I ran straight past him.

So, in front of all the other on-lookers, a distressed 4 year old boy started crying profusely because he thought his heartless Mama ignored him.

Oops.

After letting the twinions have a play on some rock sculptures, which I’m sure weren’t catered to children climbing over them (The “Risk Warning” signs firmly planted all around kinda gave it away), I was back in their good books.

Still sweaty and gross, I was desperate to change clothes but the closest toilets were another bridge run away. With the endless sea of crowds, there was no guarantee they would even be available.

“Go over there”, Mr Surfer pointed to some bushes 50 metres away

“Are you kidding me???”

“Yeah, it should be fine. Just don’t step into a mound of poo over there on the left side. Nunu just took a dump…”

Reluctantly, I picked up my clothes and a towel and walked towards said bushes. Despite the continuous stream of people walking by, no one seemed to notice the suspiciously looking woman about to camouflage herself amongst foliage and fauna.

Just as I was peeling off my sweaty bra while trying to cover my girls with a towel between gritted teeth, I heard someone approaching the bushes.

Panic set in.

“Sssshhhh,” discreetly whispered the lady.

Also searching a place to change clothes, her husband had seen me walk towards the bushes and encouraged her to join me.

So, there we were. Two complete strangers, complete starkers…in the bushes in Sydney’s vast Botanical Gardens.

#Awkward.

And being the kind of person that can’t stand any kind of strange silence, there I was – in the buff – desperately trying to make small talk.

“You did the bridge run too?”

“Wow, wasn’t it packed today? There was no way we could’ve gotten changed in the public toilets!!”

“How AWESOME is this weather today?”

I’m sure my random partner in nakedness wanted to mute me as all that unnecessary chit chat was sure to lure in passersby.

Luckily, we didn’t get caught and once changed, we separated to go back to our respective ways.

As she left the park with her family, we gave each other a discreet nod.

Having suffered from a few injuries, I have a tumultuous relationship with running. I hate it. Love it. Hate it again. Then, there’s the euphoric climb to endorphin heaven.

Running and I, we’re finally good again.

Participating in my 5th City2Surf the other weekend, was one of the best yet. Minus waiting time at porta-loo queue for much needed nervous wee stop, I beat my 2011 PB by 15 seconds.

Better than a smack in a head and another case of patella tendonitis! Woot!

As much as I love running, injuries can be a proverbial pain in the knee, ankle or foot.

For extra information on how to keep yourself injury free and to keep on top of your health generally, it may be worth looking into a program like HBF Health Insurance Plans.

Luckily, I’ve stayed injured free this year (touch wood!). Instead I’ve mixed things up a bit, got myself a decent set of headphones, made a funky playlist and found some much needed motivation. Not to mention breaking the boredom!

Here’s a pick from City2Surf 2014 Training Playlist and some tips on how to make it inspiring, booty shaking and completely badass!

Always starting at a turtle pace, first up are songs with a slow, steady beat like ‘Yeah!’ (Usher).

Breaking it up in thirds is a great tip for running longer distances. So I break my playlist the same way. Running with personality, I pick songs with energy and well, perhaps a ‘little’ anger like ‘Even Flow’ (Pearl Jam) and ‘Titanium’ (David Guetta & Sia).

It takes six to seven minutes for me to complete a kilometre. In that last treacherous stretch, I need tunes that can carry through the distance so I listen to dance or special remixes.

Some big favourites are ‘Starlight’ (The Superman Lovers) and ‘Lola’s Theme’ (The Shapelifters)

Doesn’t matter on the time or distance, for me to be able to escape to the outdoors and finishing a run is a HUGE deal so I reward myself with some kick butt songs.

I’ve always loved ‘Paid My Dues’ (Anastacia) but have only recently paid close attention to the lyrics:

If you are expecting, you can enter your due date, tracking weekly milestones. Also there are helpful tips on health, diet, exercise and general well being.

I wish this app was around when I was pregnant. I would’ve saved so much time, money and freaked out moments avoiding all those outdated, overwhelming pregnancy books.

I can set daily reminders to do my little down under work out, 3 times a day for a couple of minutes. At home, in the library, while I’m having a cocktail…

If only I looked this sexy while doing them…

For one lucky reader, I have a beautiful pamper Perfect Potion package (valued at $150) to giveaway! Filled with bath, body and skin care goodies, guaranteed the organic products will get you right back to your core and feeling fabulous!

Leave a comment on this post telling me:“When was the last time your gut instinct was spot on?”

Terms and Conditions:
The name of the promotion is: Continence Foundation of Australia competition
The promoter is With Some Grace in conjunction with the Continence Foundation of Australia
The conditions of entry are:
Answer the above question
Follow With Some Grace via email
One entry per person
Employees, immediate family members, retailers, suppliers, associated companies and agencies are not eligible to enter.
The giveaway will close on Tuesday, 22nd of July at 10pm AEST. Comments submitted after this time will not be considered for the giveaway.
This is a game of skill. The winner will be awarded based on the strength of their answer to the question {insert question}
The prize will be in the form of product which will be sent to the winner once address details have been provided after the competition has closed.
The results of the giveaway will be published on this site on Thursday, 24th of July, 2014.
Prizes are not redeemable for cash and are non-transferable
The total prize value $150
The competition is open to Australian residents only.
If for any reason beyond the Promoter’s control the agreed prize is not available a product of equal or greater value will be provided.
The Promoter is not responsible for prizes once they have been dispatched to the winner.

Then a friend at church gave me this awesome home remedy. Some of the ingredients I already knew were beneficial when fighting the lurgy but others…I never would’ve thought of.

So, I thought I’d share with you guys…

All you need is:

Freshly squeezed juice of one lemon

Tablespoon of honey

3 or 4 sprigs of thyme

Generous sprinkle of cayenne pepper

Small sprinkle of black pepper

3 finely sliced pieces of ginger

Splash of apple vinegar cider

With all ingredients in a mug, pour boiling water, filling up to three quarters.

The twinions have also been fighting some cold and coughing nasties. All is good at the moment (touch wood, knock…knock…) but we had some hairy moments, triggering their asthma and prompting trips to a paediatrician specializing in respiratory issues. Fun times.

Even when they finally recovered, they had lost a lot of weight and were still extremely weak. Not that they realized it, carrying on and playing like the crazy jumping jelly beans that they are.

Let me say, though. There is nothing worse than feeling your son’s hip bones when snuggling with him in bed.

It’s the one time when you actually don’t feel guilty about making hot chips the staple or loading sandwiches with extra butter and a slice of cheese.

While short bursts of interval training or hill sprints are great for the time poor, long slow distance (LSD) runs are also important in a runner’s training regime.

It all depends on how much endurance your training your body to handle.

During half marathon training, a weekly commitment of an LSD run – with a gradual increase from 30 minutes to 2 hours – is mandatory.

But really, who’s got that luxury of time?

Over the long weekend, I was determined to fit in an 8km run.

With a dose of creative thinking and working out a few negotiations with certain stakeholders (ie Mr Surfer), I’ve pleasantly discovered it can be done.

Here’s how to fit in a long run with your family in tow.

The day before I mapped out my run and based on previous runs and result times, figured how long it would take me.

Picking out where the 8km would be, I told Mr Surfer of my intentions and thus started the typical husband/wife negotiations. I told him he could sleep in while I did breakfast duties, on the condition that he and the twinions meet me at the 8km landmark.

Pack a bag with a change of warm, comfortable clothes (including shoes), towel, hairbrush, face moisturizer (especially when running in the dry winter wind), a quick easy carb filled snack like a protein bar or in my case, medjool dates, a full bottle of water and most importantly, DEODORANT.

Morning of the run, have a light breakfast (piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter or almond spread) and a small cup of black coffee.

By the time Mr Surfer had woken up, the twinions had eaten breakfast, I was in my running gear and out the door I ran.

Voila! Roughly 50 minutes later and just 300 metres away from the destination and in perfect timing my beloved family turned up!

As I had my packed bag with clothes and snacks waiting for me in the car, we decided that a family outing was next on the agenda. Off we went to jump around on the trampolines at Flip Out. While not glamorous, there, in the comforts of their public toilets, I got changed (and showered myself with lots of deodorant). It was a fine interim solution until I got home to have a relaxing hot shower.

So, there we have it: a win-win situation where I get a chance to clear my headspace but doesn’t eat up much time from the family.

There was a time in my life when running was simply an obligatory activity to “keep me fit”. I knew physically it was good for me but my heart (or my head wasn’t in it). So, finding excuses not to do it was just too easy. Saying I was too busy looking after my family was a frequent one.

But it’s been the past year or so, it’s necessary for mental health. When those snarky, crabby Mama moods start lurking, I have no one else to blame but myself because I know the endorphin fix from running can rectify all of that.

We can make our own choices. We all know that.

Sometimes though, it’s not about picking from the obvious options that are conveniently placed in front of you; it’s choosing the ones you’ve created for yourself.

How do you make time to clear headspace? Most importantly, have you ever forgotten to wear deodorant?

15 x 30 second hill sprints (Jog down recovery):

Method:
Starting at the base of a hill I run up as fast as I can until I hit 30 seconds. Then, immediately jog back down.

Tip:
I swing my arms to increase momentum. Keeping head up and chest out, I look straight ahead and let the ground “rise” up as I run up the hill.

To condition my body to keep running to the end and not slowing down, I don’t aim to run to the actual 30 second mark. Instead I pick a landmark thats a couple of metres behind it. For instance, if my 30 second goal is to run to the white car, I’ll aim to run to the blue car behind it.

As you jog downhill, make the most of your recovery. Try and regulate your breathing as soon as possible. Also, drop your shoulders and shake out your arms.

By the time I’m half way down the hill, I try to get in 10 deep breaths before I turn around and head straight back up.

5 x stair runs (Jog down recovery):

Method:
Pick a laneway or hilly street with steep stairs, at least 100 metres long. Even better if there are several flights.

Tip:
Don’t look straight up to the top. Look ahead at eye level and tackle the stairs, piece by piece.

I end up shuffling to the next set of stairs. But I figure it’s better to conserve my running energy for the stairs.

I try to alternate my feet when starting each set of stairs. For example, I’ll start with the left on the first set, then by the time I get to the next set, I’ll run up that first step with my right.

Doing this helps me focus on the “here and now” rather than “OMG! When will these nightmare end?”

Method:According to my Magellan Sports Echo, my 5kms pace is around 6.11 per km. On the treadmill, that’s a speed of around 10, which means my 90% is around 11.5.

Of course, this is different for everyone.

Tip:

Obviously, doing as much outdoor running as you can is most ideal but once in a while, there’s nothing wrong with getting on the tready. Especially when you’re time poor or the weather’s miserable. I use my tready time to focus on my running posture and stride.

All sounds tough? Yup, it is.

Your legs will burn beyond measure and you’ll be close to coughing out your lungs onto the street. The swearing will purge thick and fast taking your potty mouth to an even further derogatory level.

To motivate you to get out the door and do these 3 runs under 30 minutes, I have a Magellan Echo Sports Watch (valued at $149) to giveaway to one lucky reader!

With these runs, I used my Magellan Echo and synced it to the iSmooth running app on my iPhone (4S, 5, 5C and 5S). Among many of the compatible apps are MapMyRun and Strava.

The watch streams live details of your activity to your app. While you don’t have to plug the Echo to a computer to download running stats, it does mean having to also carry the iPhone. Not a deal breaker, but for someone who usually likes to run device free, I had to remember to bring the phone in my running belt.

If anything, the past 12 weeks of training has been about mental preparedness.

Rather than being nervous about running 21.1 kms, I’m genuinely looking forward to it. I can’t wait to soak in the atmosphere and be part of the energy with the other runners.

I’m not dying to get to the finish line because it’s everything prior that I’ve been working so hard for.

For me, I know I’ll keep happily eating the stuff I don’t want to deprive myself. Because – let’s face it – if time on this earth is fleeting, let’s spend it enjoying a lavish degustation 8 course meal or a cool, crispy Pinot Gris (or three).

But as they say, everything in moderation and I guess it’s finding the delicate balance of what that actually is.

I think I have healthy eating habits. I eat fruit and veg every day and try to drink as much water. I stay away from soft drinks and try to control my portions.

However, unless it’s not processed, do we ever truly know what’s in the food we eat.

Losing weight is not the immediate goal here; good health and general well-being is.

And while detoxing can lead to losing a couple of inches off the waist line, the main reasons are:

To revitalize energy levels,

Accomplish clearer, cleaner skin

Basically giving your body a chance to clear itself from all that crap (especially the unknown stuff) you’ve consumed.

3 days I was to only drink freshly made juices. They were to be home delivered in an esky at the crack of dawn.

Packed with 6 bottles of juices, each had it’s own flavour combined with different fruit and vegetables. There was also a buddy card to give you some guidance and support every day.

On the first day, the delivery comes with a little loofa (to exfoliate all those toxins and dead skin) as well as a tub of bath soak salts. All in the name of cleansing!

Day 1 couldn’t have been the worse possible day to start. Getting very little sleep the night before, I was not only exhausted but also grumpy. Like, Oscar the Grouch grumpy.

Having done detoxes in the past, I knew it was going to get ugly before the benefits would present themselves.

For the rest of the day I remained irritable and oh my, like a female prying mantis, I would’ve chopped off my husband’s head right there and then.

The bad mood continued the next day.

I had terrible, relentless splitting headaches. All I could do was sit on the couch and with my lap top as my only buddy, played “Bridesmaids” on loop as my background noise to try and keep the spirits up.

By Day 3, things were looking up. I had had the best night’s sleep EVER! And with some exfoliating, my skin was glowing and feeling clean.

With much delight, I discovered the stubborn bloat in my tummy had pretty much gone. I, literally, felt lighter.

I had so much energy, I was ready to bounce off walls.

And while there are obvious benefits to doing a detox, I don’t think it’s for everybody.

People believe in giving your body that sudden shake up while others are fervently against it.

If you’re unsure but are thinking about it, I would strongly advise that you seek professional advise from your GP. Then ask yourself, when is a good time to do it because a detox really can knock you around – mentally and physically. You need to designate yourself that time and space to go through the mood swings, lethargy and irritability. It’s also good to tell your family what you plan to do as their support will be vital.

As for me, I think I’ll do it again in another couple of months. For now, to make the most of the post cleanse, I’ve taken myself off coffee (again!). Not sure for how long but guess what? I’ve pleasantly discovered I’m fine without it. After all, I wasn’t going to go through those splitting caffeine withdrawl headaches for nothing, right?

So I thought about what it takes to cut the rest of the negativity in my head. Because as much as I love running, there seems to be this psychological barrier from reaching my distance and PB goals.

Stop the F-Bomb:

My potty mouth can cuss like the best of demons. Running to the top of a steep hill or busting biceps with killer chin ups is never completely satisfying without a loud, resounding, expressive “Faaaaaaaark!!!”

But I found that the swearing cluttered my brain with the negative. It became a withholding effect on how I ran.

Now, it’s refreshing to finish up with an upbeat “Yay! I did it!” rather than a defeatist “Fark. How the hell did I get through that?”

The Essential Playlist:

While I don’t use my iPhone when I’m running outside (Road safety hazard), I do crank up the tunes when I’m on the tready.

I stick to the oldies but goodies – something with a strong, heavy beat and bad-ass lyrics with tons of attitude.

Some of the big faves are Titanium (“Bullet proof, nothing to lose, fire away, fire away), Just The Way You Are (“If perfect’s what you’re looking for, then just stay the same”)and an oldie but a goodie, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (“Lift your head up high, sing out to the world, I know I am someone, let the truth unfurl, no one can hurt you now, because you know what’s true, yes I believe in me, so you believe in you…”)

Miscellaneous Mum rounded up a list of great ideas for playlists. Check it.

Grab Something New:

I’m not condoning unnecessary purchases. However, buying sports gear – new pair of shoes, sunglasses or even comfy, durable socks – can give you that excitement to get out the door and try out your new buy.

It doesn’t matter how small or inexpensive it is.

Make sure it’s, of course, something you need and will constantly use.

As part of my preparation to get back running outdoors, I bought myself a bright fluro orange visor. I’m planning to take it to use it on those long, sweaty, tough runs. It’ll be my little good luck charm when I run that marathon in September.

The negativity will always be in the back of mind to steer me away from exercise goals, to stop me from getting my daily fills of endorphins.

Exactly this time last year, I found my heart tied and tangled in knots of depression and my head was riding on roundabouts of stress and anxiety.

I was barely functioning.

When it came to parting with the one who was there through the thick of it; who never judged but offered tools and solutions; provided the tissues with each issue I tried to untangle with words; I could only claim the breakup to be bittersweet.

“What? You’re breaking up with me???” I joked and laughed.

“Well, it can only be a good thing, right?” she replied.

I’ve made significant improvements, she reassured me. And besides, if I ever found myself in a predicament where I needed her help. Needed to talk to her again, she’d be there.

But how could I be sure that for now I was fine? What if I found myself in another state of panic? Or worse, anxiety?

It was a picture perfect day, gentle waves lapping into shore. The bay was abuzz – sail boats scattered, ferries dropping passengers right on schedule.

Feeling the cool breeze never felt so refreshing, I thought. Perhaps it had just been a while since I let my mind notice it. Appreciate it.

Maybe it was the soothing sense of being next to the ocean, the instant therapy that only salt water can bring, but a little tingly feeling hinted that maybe my mind is starting to see with clarity again.

That life is no longer about survival and coping but instead each blessed day is filled with meaning, engagement and true involvement.

And yes, there’s the chance that I might go back running, needing advice, begging for answers.

But for now, I’ll sit with the contentment.

The day couldn’t be more perfect. My heart couldn’t be in a better place.

About Me…

Indonesian-born, Grace spent extensive time living and working overseas, primarily in Japan. She now resides in Sydney where she is mum to identical twin boys and wife to an avid surfer. While she has happily replaced office life with motherhood, Grace has discovered that a 10 year career in corporate sales and being fluent in 3 languages is futile when dealing with toddler tantrums and singing “The Wheels On The Bus”